Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy

Mission

Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy (WAAA) expands access to healthcare, education and services for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s) & related intellectual and developmental disabilities 

How we do it

Our organization works diligently to bridge the gap between the many health and education policies that exist to serve children and adults with ASD and other DD’s, and the educators, politicians, and medical providers who want to support these policies but don’t always succeed in doing it. We focus on:

1. Providing pro bono guidance, counseling, coordination, training, resources, and legal support to families and professionals, to help them attain effective autism treatment and socially significant rehabilitative programs statewide.
2. Offering pro bono community services such as support groups, a respite care program, and peer social communication portals so families of children with ASD and other DD’s can connect, share experiences, and feel less overwhelmed by the intensity of caring for an autistic child.
3. Lobbying for legislation that directly supports and improves the health, safety, and education of children and adults with ASD and other DD’s, then working to connect the dots to make sure the policies are actually implemented to support those in need.

Ongoing Projects:

Providing support across Washington state, our programs and community groups work to ensure that those with ASD have every opportunity to thrive and be productive. Through workshops, social and recreational activities, and support and respite care, parents, teachers, and other caregivers can learn how best to help those with ASD realize their full potential.

• Insurance Navigation. Obtain help with insurance appeals, low cost or pro-bono attorneys at WAAA as needed
• Family Navigation. Family to family support, community services and supports across multiple systems and self advocacy resources.
• Special Education Program. Along with our Blueprints to Special Education training workshops to help families navigate the IEP system, WAAA’s Special Education Law library offers tools to help families advocate for the Special Education accommodations their child needs. In addition, we help identify services and supports, working with care providers and other agencies to ensure children have access to the educational support they need, regardless of economic, language, or cultural barriers.
• Training Workshops. Get practical information about regulations governing insurance and educational benefits, how to enhance your relationship with your child and more.
• Supporting Parents of Autism (SPA) online support group closed group to come together with other parents to share your struggles, challenges, and joys. We come from all walks of life, have children that are toddlers, school aged, and young adults. We have many shared experiences and are here to support one another.
• Family Support Network. Families that join WAAA not only have pro-bono access to our insurance and IEP support team, but also to an online community of fellow supporters who have faced similar challenges and offer understanding and advice.
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